In October, 1976, a new type of question was introduced into the Victorian HSC German test: A listening comprehension question with multiple-choice answers has replaced the written reproduction question. Results of a computer analysis of the answers given in the exam are reported. (SW)

An investigation was conducted of the use of cloze tests in measuring native English speakers' achievement in four foreign languages, German, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. The study sought to determine whether the cloze tests separate the achievement scores of students at different levels. (SW)

In discussing assessment and its applicability to the needs of Spanish-speaking students, several types of testing approaches are needed. This paper focuses on the use of comprehensive assessment offered by multiple matrix sampling techniques. (SW)

The test, multiple choice in form, has no place for oral expression. Other criticisms are given, e.g., that the test seems to rest on a faulty teaching plan, specifically in the sequencing of grammatical problems to be mastered. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Proposes, for the oral portion of the final (graduation) examination, the text as basic object, from which a section should be read aloud. A 15-point grading scale is described. Regarding content, performance in "informing,""interpreting and extrapolating," and "evaluating and discussion" are to be graded. (Text is in…

Examines critically, from the viewpoint of communication-oriented teaching, K. Gerhold's "French Placement Tests 7-plus and 8-plus" (Beltz: Weinheim 1974). Considers how communicative skill can best be tested. Suggestions are given for designing informal tests. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

This investigation seeks to determine: the validity and reliability of cloze tests for measuring reading comprehension; the relation of cloze scores to difficulty levels of reading passages; the relation of cloze test performance to length of English training; and the merits of judgmental vs. random word deletion in test construction. (DB)

Reports on the newly devised optional Reading Comprehension Test in the high school graduation examination for Realschulen. Proposes a coordination of learning goals and teaching procedures with the various parts of the test. Offers suggestions for grading. Many examples are given. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

This article discusses the first draft of three objective tests given to students of English as a foreign language in a high school in Rome, Italy. Students' answers on the tests (Listening Comprehension, Reading Comprehension, Grammatical Structures) are analyzed. The tests will be rewritten, based on these observations. (Text is in Italian.)…

This article examines teaching methods for developing foreign language comprehension in students, with attention to methods of testing comprehension. Reading materials should include journals, newspapers, and items concerning teenage culture. The English summary of a French text is recommended for testing comprehension; examples of this exercise…

Language instructors at one college devised a program to increase oral proficiency in language students. An oral proficiency test was developed to measure student performance. Results show that since the proficiency test has been required, students make more efforts to increase these skills through study, conversation and language laboratory use.…

This article examines what types of language tests are suitable in evaluating instructional programs in testing for educational accountability. Norm-referenced measurements are found unsuitable for this purpose; new, criterion-referenced tests must be developed. (CHK)

Expressive performance objectives are described as those identifications of higher level language abilities students are expected to acquire. These objectives are sufficiently open-ended to include communicative competence. "Real language activities" are increasingly central in the classroom and must therefore be evaluated. Procedures for testing…

Describes a method of intensive guided reading instruction in a second language which reduces frustration, ensures success, and implements the processes of reading instruction set forth by Kenneth Goodman and elaborated by others. (SED)

Describes a method for examining oral communicative competence in a foreign language using an open form of role play. The method's reliability and accuracy lies in its basis on what is learned in the classroom. (CB)